Pacific Adventure

The 2001-built (as "Golden Princess") cruise ship Pacific Adventure was the 2nd Grand-class vessel in the Princess Cruises fleet, with sisterships Crown, Diamond, Caribbean,Grand, Emerald, Ruby, Star (now Pacific Encounter), Sapphire.

The vessel (IMO number 9192351) is currently UK-flagged (MMSI 235113472) and registered in Southampton.

In 2020, Golden Princess was transferred to P&O Australia's fleet and renamed "Pacific Adventure" after a scheduled drydock refurbishment in 2021. In November 2021, Star Princess (as Pacific Encounter) joins Pacific Adventure in P&O Australia's fleet, replacing there the smaller Pacific Jewel (scrapped as "MS Karnika" in 2021).

IMPORTANT: In May 2024, Carnival Corporation announced that terminates P&O Cruises Australia's operations and discontinues the brand in 2025. Pacific Explorer will be retired in February 2025 (sold or scrapped). Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure will remain based in Australia but will be transferred to CCL-Carnival Cruise Line and renamed ("Carnival Encounter" and "Carnival Adventure"). Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter in March 2025 will be taken out of service (for unscheduled drydocking) and after April will be operated by CCL as "Carnival Encounter" and "Carnival Adventure". The other Carnival Australia ship is Carnival Splendor (year-round homeported in Sydney NSW).

History - construction and ownership

P&O Cruises is a subsidiary company and two brands owned by Carnival Corporation - P&O UK and P&O Australia. In 2000, P&O Cruises became subsidiary of P&O Princess Cruises, which merged with Carnival Corporation in 2003. P and O is the world's oldest cruise company, starting passenger shipping operations in 1822 on the routes connecting England with Iberia.

The ship's hull is adorned with the P&O AU's new livery - the Southern Cross (national symbol of Australia and New Zealand, also incorporated in their country flags).

Decks and Cabins

Pacific Adventure staterooms (1316 total) include 736 cabins with balconies (78% of all the 950 outside rooms). Wheelchair-accessible cabins (for disabled passengers) are 26 (of which 1x window suite, 12x Balcony, 4x outside, 9x inside). Balcony staterooms are 560, the number of Suites and Mini-Suites is 260.

The boat has 18 decks, of which 13 are passenger-accessible and 9 with cabins.

Review/Shipboard facilities and amenities

The 3100-passenger ship Pacific Adventure offers various dining experiences, such as exciting concepts from award-winning Melbourne chef Johnny Di Francesco and Australian chef and restaurateur Luke Mangan. Passengers can enjoy thrilling waterslides, kids' aquapark, extreme sports park (P&O Edge) and barefoot bowlling on the top deck. Popular leisure and relaxation options are a day spa, cabana-style pool area, plenty of swimming pools and outdoor Jacuzzies/hot tubs, live music and shows.

Continuing P&O AU's ongoing shipboard dining evolution, Pacific Adventure's 2021 drydock refurbishment added two casual dining venues - "Luke's Grill" (by Australian chef Luke Mangan) and "400 Gradi" (traditional Neapolitan pizzeria by chef Johnny Di Francesco). Other venues include the P&O AU's signature Waterfront Restaurant/MDR-Main Dining Room, Angelo's (Italian), Dragon Lady (Asian), The Pantry (Lido buffet restaurant / international marketplace with 9 fresh food outlets). Guests now can also use the ship's Big Red Phone pizza delivery hotline to order pizza straight to their poolside lounger.

Deck 4 houses all staff/crew cabins, the ship's Tender Embarkation/Disembarkation areas and the Infirmary/Hospital/Medical Center (served by resident physicians and nurses on 24-hour call duty).

Deck 5 houses The Grand Atrium (3-decks high, with a stage for live performances), and the Lobby Hall (Lobby Lounge, Destination Lounge/Shore Excursions and Tours) served by Lilly's Bar, Charlie's Bar and Avalon Cafe. Deck 5 is the lower level of P&O Retail (duty-free shopping complex spreading on 3 floors/5-6-7) and aft is the Waterfront Restaurant.

Waterfront is a complimentary Dining Room open for breakfast (7:30-9:30 am), lunch (12-1 pm) and dinner (5-9 pm). For lunch expect salads, soups, pasta, chicken pho, wraps, sandwiches, burgers, fish, cheesecake, pies, fresh fruit, and cheese plates. Dinner menu includes seared ahi tuna, ocean trout, lamb shanks, pork chops, chili chicken wings, vegetable moussaka, curry, ravioli, salads, pavlova, chocolate rolls, trifle, fruit and cheese plates.

Deck 6 houses Marquee Theatre (2-floor main show lounge for large-scale evening music and show productions, daily trivia games, bingo sessions, game shows, culinary demonstrations, various workshops, seminars, kids' talent shows), the Casino (gaming lounge with slot machines and gambling tables, served by its own Bar, also hosts Texas Hold'em tournaments and Pokies tournaments) and The Bonded Store. Deck 6's Grand Atrium houses the Reception/Guest Services Desk (24-hour passenger services and assistance), and Shops. The Bonded Store is a bar lounge with a signature cocktails menu (via a partnership with Archie Rose Distilling Co) where are hosted themed whisky- and gin-making classes and tasting events.

Midship on Deck 6 is the Angelo's Restaurant (complimentary Dining Room) for Italian cuisine and specialties like slow-cooked pork neck, veal shank ragout, fontina, and pumpkin arancini balls, osso bucco, seafood cacciucco, pan-fried gnocchi and sweets like crispy cannoli. Bookings for dinner can be made at the Reception Desk.

Also midship on Deck 6 is the Luke's Bar & Grill (Luke Mangan Restaurant) - a fast food bar (with a takeaway option) serving burgers, hotdogs, chicken wings, kebabs, fries, prawns. Food is not free, but the prices are reasonable. Wine and beer are also offered. Luke's Bar also functions as a specialty restaurant for lunch and dinner. Luke's Restaurant offers signature Luke Mangan dishes, like Kingfish Sashimi and licorice parfait, Barramundi for two, Kitchen beef slider.

Aft on Deck 6 is the Dragon Lady (Asian restaurant) with an origami-folded menu and non-alcoholic welcome shooters. Dishes are designed to be shared banquet-style, such as Indian spiced duck samosas, Vietnamese rice paper rolls, Chinese dumplings, Japanese tempura-crusted sushi rolls, barramundi green curry, honey prawns, chicken satay sticks. Desserts include mango and sticky coconut rice, a jar of apple caramel milkshake, salted dark chocolate cake with sesame ice cream. Dinner bookings are made at the Reception Desk.

Deck 7 houses the Promenade (fore-located outdoor/open-air deck space for walking/strolling), Marquee Theater's upper level (2 of 2), the Ocean Bar (Atrium bar with lounge seating, dance floor, a stage for live performances; hosts art auctions), the Casino, Shops, IMAGES Photo Gallery, Luke's Bar & Grill, Noosa Room, Adventure Hotel (piano bar/English pub), Blue Room (Lounge & Bar), 400 Gradi (pizzeria), Black Circus Theatre (show lounge and bar).

• Blue Room is an Atrium Lounge & Bar with a dance floor and live music entertainment, nightly transforms into a disco club with DJ programming. The lounge is served by its own piano bar. The late-night blues session named Blues@Blue features several very talented musicians getting together for a 1-hour-long jam, rotating with excellent guitarists and different singers.
• 400 Gradi (Neapolitan pizzeria by chef Johnny Di Francesco) is open for Lunch (between 12-1:30 pm) and Dinner (between 6-11 pm). Many passengers prefer takeaway pizzas to eat elsewhere or get these delivered to the cabin via room service.
• Black Circus Theatre is an entertainment lounge with a stage for performances (by guest comedians, singers, illusionists, cabaret-style performances) and has its own full-service Bar. Intended for cabaret performances, the venue has a supper club vibe but there are no full-size tables to eat supper, so it's basically a theatre with rows of seats along with ledges to place drinks. During the day, the lounge is used for kids' TC&Skipper's Island Adventure Show, The Edge's laser tag gaming and as Cinema/early evening movies.

Deck 14 houses the Navigation Bridge/Wheelhouse, midship pool deck area (2x swimming pools - Main Pool and Family Pool), 4x Jacuzzies/hot tubs, a band stage. The Family Pool deck is served by Magrodome Bar. The Main Pool deck is served by Grandi Pronto (Pizza Bar), Luke's Burger Bar (premium beef and pulled pork burgers, seafood rolls), Pool Bar (beverages) and Ice Cream Bar (serving complimentary New Zealand Natural Ice Cream).

Also on Deck 14 are The Pantry and the Oasis Pool Deck.

• The Pantry is the ship’s self-service buffet restaurant/marketplace with 9 fresh food outlets. The restaurant is complimentary and open for Breakfast (between 6:30-11:30 am), Lunch (11:30 am – 3:30 pm) or British Pub Lunch (11:30-1:30 pm /on selected days) and Dinner (5:30-11 pm). The buffet has its own bar for drinks, a stage for live performances, and a dance floor. At lunch and dinner, the food outlets include McGregor's Garden (salads), Stix (stir fry), Mexicana (tacos and burritos), Curry House, Hook's (fish-and-chips), Nic & Toni's (Italian), Fat Cow (carvery), Kettle & Bun (soups and sandwiches), and Sugar Bar (desserts). In the evenings, a 10th venue (Shell & Bones/fka Lobster & Burger) opens as an a la carte priced restaurant. A kids' dinner for children between 3 and 10 years is held at 4:15 pm daily, with highchairs available upon request.
• The Oasis Bar is a poolside bar serving the Oasis Pool (swimming pool aft on deck 12) and the Oasis Sundeck (adults-only sunbathing area aft on deck 14).

Forward on Deck 15 is the ship's wellness complex (Elemis SPA) that groups the facilities Byron Beach Pool, 2x Jacuzzies/Whirlpools, Fitness Center with F45 Fitness Studio (Aerobics Room for classes), Thermal Suite, Rasul (steam and mud room), Elemis Day Spa, 2x Saunas, Treatments Rooms (for massages), Beauty Salon and Barbers (manicure/pedicure/hair/nail/barber services), Bondi Bar & Lounge. Complimentary water aerobics is also available. Part of the wellness complex is the Youth Center & Lounge.

Aft on Deck 15 is the Noosa Room (doubles as Conference Center/Meeting Room and Wedding Chapel) and the Life Photo Studio (processing B&W photos/portraits studio sessions).

Midship on Deck 15 is the Big Screen - an outdoor cinema with a huge LED screen. Complimentary popcorn-cookies-milk are offered during the evening projections under the stars. Deck 15's sundeck is served with beverages by the Sky Bar.

Forward on Deck 16 is the Byron Beach Club - an adults-only, open-air sundeck/relaxation area with 1x Swimming Pool, 2x Outdoor Hot Tubs (Jacuzzies), sunbathing area (with padded chaise lounges), steward service (light meals), direct access to Elemis Spa Pool (forward on deck 15 below) and private outdoor cabanas (with spa massages). Charges per person apply. Also on Deck 16 is the Youth Center's upper level (outdoor playground with a Hot Tub and Paddling Pool).

Deck 17 houses the Magra Dome (sliding glass roof over deck 15's pool area), The Lawn (barefoot lawn bowling green, putting green/mini-golf course, Golf Net), the P&O Edge facilities (outdoor sports activities area), and the Waterslide (entry-level). The aft-located relaxation area is a sundeck fitted with 2x jacuzzies/Hot Tubs, deck games area (Giant Chess, Shuffleboard) and is served by the Sunset Bar.

During drydock 2021 refurbishment, on Deck 17 were installed the Twin-Racer waterslide (length 135 m / 443 ft, height 16 m / 53 ft) and the P&O Edge Adventure Park. P&O Edge facilities include a Zipline (length 55 m / 180 ft), Cargo Net, Walk the Plank, Beam Walk, and a Rock Climbing Wall. P&O Edge is positioned ~10 m / 33 ft above Deck 16. The waterslides are dual-racing (with several twists, and turns) and feature LED lights and sound effects. The aquapark has a separate shaded area for kids (outdoor playground) equipped with a dumping bucket and oversized water toys.

Aft on Deck 18 is the Sports Court (multi-sports combined court for playing basketball, volleyball, football). Deck 18 also houses The Walkway (Walking/Jogging Track with 2 scenic Walkways) and the Altitude Nightclub (Disco Lounge with a full-service Bar and DJ programming in the evenings. During the day, Altitude Nightclub doubles as an observation lounge. The Altitude is accessed via two elevators and also via stairs from The Oasis (adults-only sundeck/swimming pool relaxation area located aft on deck 16 below).

Itineraries

In late-October 2018, P&O Australia announced the inaugural season of Pacific Adventure. The 2020 program featured voyages of 13-nights and longer. Winter 2020 program had scheduled 132 departures (including 57x Short Breaks of 2-3-4-nights) departing from homeports Auckland NZ, Brisbane QLD, Melbourne, Sydney NSW.

On longer itineraries, P&O passengers can participate in various themed activities on the ship, covering topics like current affairs, arts-crafts, culinary, workshops (talks and seminars led by famous Australian guest presenters), Masquerade Ball.

P&O's Pacific Adventure ship was planned to start the Maiden Voyage on October 12, 2020, with an 18-night "Southeast Asia and Australia" repositioning from Singapore (drydock location) to Sydney NSW, visiting ports in Malaysia (Penang, Langkawi) and Australia (Cairns, Darwin, Airlie Beach, Brisbane, Sydney). Prices started from USD 2400 (quad cabin).

Following the Coronavirus crisis, Pacific Adventure is homeported in Sydney (restart date October 22, 2022). The roundtrips visit locations in Australia (including short breaks to Moreton Island, Melbourne Cup-themed, cruises to nowhere, Great Barrier Reef), Tasmania, New Zealand, South Pacific Islands (Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia).

The Fincantieri Monfalcone-built Princess Cruises Golden ship is a Grand-class liner, with (same-designed) sisterships Grand and Star (now Pacific Encounter). The other (similarly-designed) vessels from this class are the Princess ships Caribbean, Crown, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire. Ship's godmother was Merlisa George - at that time "Miss USVI" (US Virgin Islands). The inaugural cruise (maiden voyage) started on May 16, 2001 (UK to Mediterranean itinerary from Southampton to Barcelona). Fan fact is that in the period 1993-1997, under the same name (Golden Princess) was chartered the ship MV Boudicca (Fred Olsen).

Pacific Adventure (Monfalcone shipyard/hull number 6050) is powered by Wartsila-Sulzer marine diesel engines (models 8ZAV40S and 8ZAL40) generating total power output 63,36 MW.

In December 2019, the liner became fleet's first Australia-based vessel (leaving from homeport Melbourne Victoria) with installed MedallionNet technology. Also in 2019, the innovative technology was installed on the fleetmates Coral (April), Island (May), Crown (June), Emerald (August) and Sky (October).

Pacific Adventure refurbishment 2024 review

Pacific Adventure's drydocking in 2024 (February 16-March 2) was conducted by Seatrium Marine at its Admiralty Yard in Singapore.

The project resulted in new amenities and enhancements.

The ship now has the exclusive Byron Beach Club Cabanas offering a premium experience with features like shaded areas, dedicated beverage service, towel service, complimentary bottled water. Guests booking a cabana also receive a US$100 food credit. Each cabana has max capacity of 4 people and is equipped with a mini-bar fridge, TV, and fan.

On the poolside decks were added day beds. On the ship was also installed a new sound system.

Upgrades to the wellness facilities (Elemis at Sea Spa) include new beds and equipment (for the treatment rooms) and a new barber’s chair (at the salon).

The project also included new carpeting throughout (15000 m2/~161,500 ft2 of carpet), new turfing (3700 m2/~40,000 ft2 of turf), repainting of walls and ceilings (3000 m2/~33,000 ft2), furniture updates (~2000 pieces of furniture).

Pacific Adventure refurbishment 2021 review

Before entering P&O Australia's fleet, the ship was drydocked at Fincantieri Trieste ATSM Shipyard in Trieste Italy (August 16 - September 4, 2021) for general maintenance works, repainting (hull and superstructure) and various refurbishment projects.

The vessel now has a new livery (with the Southern Cross on the bow), several new dining options (via partnerships with celebrity chefs Luke William Mangan and Johnny Di Francesco), redesigned venues (including Adventure Hotel and Blue Room), 4x new restaurants (Angelo’s/Italian, Dragon Lady/Asian, The Waterfront, The Pantry/Buffet with fresh-food outlets), renovated staterooms and public areas.

Pacific Adventure inaugural cruise 2020 itineraries

Golden Princess' last itinerary for Princess Cruises was the 30-day relocation cruise from Alaska to Asia (Vancouver to Singapore) - priced from ~USD 2700 pp.

The renamed Golden Princess was planned to start cruises (as "Pacific Adventure") for P&O Australia with the 18-day repositioning cruise from Singapore to Sydney NSW.

The voyage was also available for booking as 16-day Singapore to Brisbane. However, the relocation itinerary was cancelled in July.

The ship's new Maiden Voyage (in Australia) became the 6-day "Melbourne Cup Carnival" Sydney roundtrip.

The inaugural NZ cruise is the 13-day "Kiwi Adventure"

Follows the inaugural 14-day South Pacific Islands itinerary "Bounty Adventure"

Golden Princess Australia cruise itineraries 2018-2019

For the first time ever, Princess Cruises 2018 itinerary program offers itineraries leaving round-trip from port Adelaide Australia to New Zealand. The Golden cruise ship's first departure is scheduled for January 8, 2018. Ports of call are Melbourne AU, and in NZ - Dunedin, Akaroa, Wellington, Gisborne, Tauranga, Auckland, Fiordland Park.

Golden Princess Asia-Alaska cruise 2018

In 2018 (April-May) Princess Cruises scheduled the "Epic Adventure" cruise itinerary leaving oneway from Singapore to Alaska. It was offered as 2 segments - 29-day to Whittier AK, and 36-day to Vancouver Canada. Next table shows the longer itinerary as ports of call and port dates/times. Prices started from USD 5700 pp (double occupancy inside cabin rates). The shorter segment (Singapore-Whittier) was priced from USD 2730 pp.

According to the company, the longer than usual repositioning cruise was created due to demand from Asian customers wishing to embark closer from home and go all the way to Alaska, instead of just booking the 7-day "Alaska Grand Adventure" itinerary. It also appealed to Asians as the route linked many Asian ports famous for their themed activities and local cuisine.

Golden Princess ship review

All Golden Princess restaurants were open-seating, including the alternative dinner venues (reservations-only) Sabatini’s Italian and Crown Grill (both with surcharges pp). Wheelhouse Bar served pub lunches. A grill and pizzeria offered complimentary fast-food choices as casual snacks. The ice-cream bars and patisseries (at extra charge) served premium ice cream and brand coffee beverages. A wine bar offered fine wines selection, artisan cheeses, evening snacks. Chef’s Table and Ultimate Balcony Dining options were also available, as well as Afternoon Tea and Room Service. Follows the complete list of Golden Princess restaurants and food bars.

• Bernini Restaurant (aft Dining Room; dinner only - offers “Anytime Dining” between 5:30 p.m. -10 p.m.)
• Crown Grill (160-seat steakhouse/seafood restaurant, reservations recommended; on select days serves British Pub Lunch, complimentary)
• Donatello Restaurant (ship's forward Dining Room for Breakfast 7-9 a.m., Lunch 12-1:30 p.m., Afternoon Tea 3:30-4:30 p.m.; features “Anytime Dining” for Dinner between 5:30-8 p.m. or 8-10 p.m.)
• Canaletto Restaurant (dinner only aft Dining Room; with 2 fixed seatings at 5:45 and 8 p.m.)
• Sabatini’s Restaurant (Italian specialty restaurant; reservations recommended)
• Trident Grill & Prego Pizzeria (self-service, complimentary fast food bar)
• Horizon Court (self-service buffet restaurant, complimentary)
• Sterling Steakhouse (specialty restaurant).

Both Vista Lounge and Princess Theater hosted renowned entertainers and grand production shows. Princess Theater was the main show lounge, with same-level orchestra seating, stadium seating behind, as well as a few boxes. Vista Lounge was cabaret-style, with chairs grouped around small drink tables and along large windows. Explorers Lounge and Wheelhouse Bar (located side by side on Promenade Deck) were smaller entertainment venues hosting karaoke sessions, resident pianist performances, live band music, themed dance parties, fun quizzes and trivia games (during the day). Follows the complete list of Golden Princess lounges, bars, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.

• The Piazza Atrium (3-deck open-floor designed area; features live performances entertainment and lobby Bar Piazza)
• Princess Fine Arts Gallery; Photo Gallery & Shop; Platinum Studio
• International Cafe (24-hour specialty coffee bar and patisserie)
• Vines Bar (wine/seafood/sushi bar)
• Library (with Internet stations); Internet Cafe (24-hour)
• Princess Golden Theatre (2-level musical and show productions; hosts workshops, seminars, game shows)
• Players Lounge & Bar (smoking lounge and sports bar)
• Vines Shop; Calypso Cove Shop; Essence Shop; Meridian Bay Shop; Facets Shop
• Grand Casino (gaming lounge with bar)
• Promenade Lounge & Bar (live music; also used for seminars)
• Explorers Lounge & Bar (disco/show lounge; hosts karaoke, comedy, game shows and art auctions)
• Wheelhouse Bar (piano bar during the day and an English pub nightly)
• Scoops Bar (Sundaes Ice Cream Bar, complimentary)
• Outrigger Bar (poolside bar); Tradewinds Bar
• Golden’s Lotus Spa complex; Beauty Salon; Fitness Center (with Aerobics Studio)
• Hearts & Minds (Wedding Chapel)
• Movies Under the Stars (LED screen outdoor cinema with extreme wide-angle and advanced outdoor light sensors)
• Video Games Arcade; Teen Center; Youth Center with Paddling Pool and outdoor playing areas
• The Conservatory (recreation area); The Sanctuary (adult-only outdoor sundeck); The Oasis relaxation area
• Calypso Reef & Pool area; Neptune’s Reef & Pool area
• The Skywalker (Jogging Track); Sports Court (volleyball, basketball, European football); Shuffleboard, Deck Chess; Princess Links mini-golf course
• Skywalkers Disco Nightclub